Dwayne Washington, who first coached RJ Barrett as a 12-year-old in Canada, told Ian Begley of SNY that Barrett would be a perfect fit on the New York Knicks due to his mentality.

Washington is currently the director of the UPLAYCanada basketball program and has also coached other NBA players like Shai Gilgeous Alexander.

"He's been raised with a New York mentality. He's been playing basketball in New York since he was 4 years old. He fits in, he's a dog. He's (the kind of player) New York would say, 'Hey, this is what a New Yorker is,'" Washington told Begley in a phone interview.

Barrett's father played college basketball at St. John's. 

Washington also cited Barrett's comfort with the spotlight and the media as another reason why he could potentially succeed with the Knicks.

"RJ can take criticism. He's been in the media his whole life. He answers tough questions. He knew the spotlight would be on him (throughout high school and college). And he wants New York! You've got guys running from New York. You've got guys that don't want that heat; they don't want the fire," added Washington.